Yes, but not social security benefits or other government benefits. Government pensions can be garnished. You have to be proactive to protect your SS benefits. Appear in court with proof of where your income is sourced. Government debts and child care can still hit your SS payments.

If they go to court and win a judgment, they can levy your bank account or garnish income except for government benefit. If your government benefit is co-mingled with other monies, the bank account can still be levied. Only the government can garnish your government benefits, excluding welfare.

If you have no other income beside Social Security, you should write a judgment-proof letter to the collection agency informing them you have no attachable assets. Thus it would be a waste of their efforts to sue you.

You bet they can. Except for social security.

Depends on the laws in your state. My opinion is, if you owe it, you pay it.